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Broadway In Boston & Autism Speaks Will Offer an Autism-Friendly Performance of Cinderella

June 18th, 2015 | By Ryan Gilbert

Autism Speaks, the world’s leading science and advocacy organization, will continue its partnership with Broadway In Boston by co-hosting an autism-friendly performance of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella on October 4 at 5:30PM. Cinderella will head to Boston on September 29 where it will play the Boston Opera House through October 11 as part of the Lexus 2014-2015 Broadway In Boston Series.

Autism Speaks, Broadway In Boston and the national tour of Cinderella are collaborating on all aspects of the development and execution of this performance, including the reduction of jarring sounds and intensity/volume level, elimination of strobe lights focused on the audience, trained support staff and volunteers and calming areas for audience members. All elements of the theater experience will be tailored to meet the needs of individuals and families affected by autism, including slight production adjustments, trained support staff to provide assistance, calming areas and a supportive, judgment-free environment.

“I strongly believe all children should get the chance to experience live theater, and I’m honored that we are able to participate in this special program,” said Cinderella’s lead producer Robyn Goodman, in a statement. “Cinderella is an inspiring character who realizes impossible things happen every day. I think her message of hope and compassion will especially resonate with families affected by autism, and I’m thrilled to bring this story to them.”

Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh will serve as the Honorary Chairman of the event committee, a role he also fulfilled last fall when Autism Speaks, Broadway In Boston and Disney Theatrical Productions delivered the first-ever autism-friendly performance of The Lion King in Boston to 2,500 autism community members.

“I applaud Autism Speaks and Broadway In Boston for making an event like this possible again," said Mayor Walsh, in a statement. "I personally witnessed the pure joy expressed by the people in the audience at the The Lion King performance last fall and many of them told me what a huge impact it had on their entire family.”

The musical version of the classic fairytale Cinderella was originally made for TV in 1957, starring Oscar winner Julie Andrews. The new production features a completely reimagined book by Douglas Carter Beane, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball—plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers and Hammerstein's most beloved songs, including "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible/It's Possible" and "Ten Minutes Ago" in this romantic musical.